Description
Course Title: Diploma in Freelance Journalism & Feature Writing
Duration: 6 months (can be adjusted to 3–12 months based on intensity)
Mode of Delivery: Online / Hybrid (with optional in-person workshops)
Course Fee: $500–$1,500 (varies by institution and region)
Certification: Diploma upon successful completion
Course Overview
This diploma program is designed for aspiring journalists, content writers, and freelancers who want to build a career in journalism and feature writing. It covers essential skills such as news reporting, storytelling, pitching to editors, and monetizing freelance work.
Course Objectives
By the end of the program, students will:
✔ Develop strong research and interviewing skills.
✔ Learn to write compelling news articles, opinion pieces, and long-form features.
✔ Understand media ethics, fact-checking, and avoiding plagiarism.
✔ Master pitching techniques to sell stories to magazines, newspapers, and digital platforms.
✔ Gain knowledge of SEO, digital journalism, and self-branding as a freelancer.
Course Modules
1. Introduction to Freelance Journalism
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Understanding the freelance journalism industry
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Differences between news reporting and feature writing
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Identifying niches (politics, culture, business, tech, etc.)
2. News Writing & Reporting
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Structure of a news article (inverted pyramid)
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Conducting interviews and gathering sources
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Writing headlines and leads that grab attention
3. Feature Writing & Storytelling
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Crafting engaging narratives
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Profiles, investigative pieces, and human-interest stories
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Using descriptive language and pacing
4. Pitching & Selling Your Work
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How to write a winning pitch email
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Finding and approaching editors
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Negotiating rates and contracts
5. Digital Journalism & SEO
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Writing for online platforms
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Basics of SEO for journalists
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Using social media to promote work
6. Media Law & Ethics
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Libel, defamation, and copyright issues
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Fact-checking and avoiding misinformation
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Ethical dilemmas in journalism
7. Building a Freelance Career
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Creating a portfolio and personal brand
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Managing finances and invoicing clients
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Freelancing platforms vs. direct client work
Assessment & Certification
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Assignments: Weekly writing tasks (news reports, feature articles, pitches)
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Final Project: A publishable feature article or a portfolio of works
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Certification: Awarded upon completing all modules and assessments
Who Should Enroll?
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Aspiring journalists
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Bloggers transitioning to professional writing
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Professionals seeking a side income through freelancing
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Students exploring media and communication careers
Career Opportunities
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Freelance journalist for newspapers/magazines
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Content writer for digital media
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Editorial contributor for niche publications
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Corporate communications specialist
Enrollment Requirements:
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Basic writing skills (no formal degree required)
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Access to a computer and internet
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Passion for storytelling and current affairs
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